Kardea Brown: "Make Do With What You Have"

Food Network star and New York Times bestselling author Kardea Brown returns with her second cookbook, packed with over 100 budget-friendly recipes perfect for family meals and old-school favorites inspired by her Gullah heritage. Make Do With What You Have builds on the success of her debut The Way Home, offering flavorful, comforting dishes without breaking the bank.

Known for her hit Food Network series, Delicious Miss Brown, which reaches over 3.5 million viewers, Kardea draws from her experience growing up in a single-parent household to turn pantry staples into soulful, satisfying meals. As families look to stretch their budgets, this timely guide proves that great cooking doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Brown blends heritage, practicality, and joy into every recipe, inspiring home cooks to create delicious meals using everyday ingredients.

With over 100 stunning full-color photos, Make Do with What You Have is also a heartfelt tribute to Kardea’s low country Gullah-Geechee culture. She offers budget-conscious tips along with cherished family recipes, making these dishes accessible to home cooks while celebrating the rich culinary traditions of the Sea Islands and the broader Black Southern experience.

Kardea Brown will be joined in conversation by Karsonya Wise Whitehead, host of Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA 88.9 FM.

About the Author:

Kardea Brown is a contemporary Southern cook and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Way Home. She created the pop-up New Gullah Supper Club, where her menu pays homage to the dishes her grandmother and mother passed down to her. She is the host of the hit show Delicious Miss Brown and the popular Kids Baking Championship. She previously judged Kids Baking Championship and Spring Baking Championship and co-hosted seasonal specials, including Kids Baking Championship Thanksgiving in 2023. Kardea lives in Charleston, South Carolina.

About the Moderator:

Karsonya Wise Whitehead is the host of Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA 88.9 FM. She is the founding director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice, as well as a communication and African and African American Studies professor at Loyola University.

About the Program:

• Doors will open to registered attendees at 6 pm.
• Seating for registered attendees in Central Hall is first come, first served.
• All registered in-person attendees will receive a free copy of the book.
• There will not be a book signing following the program.
• Free parking vouchers are available to program attendees who park at the Franklin Street Garage (15 W. Franklin Street) after 4pm. Ask Pratt event staff for your parking voucher prior to or after the program.
• All bags, backpacks, briefcases, etc. entering and exiting the library will be subject to inspection by security personnel. No large bags.

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Host or Publisher Enoch Pratt Free Library